Here’s a respite from all the bad news we’ve been hearing the past days.  I received this PRAISE release in my email a few days ago and am sharing it with you.  May this good news inspire you to continue to help those who are in need.  Much thanks to Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines and Sole for Souls for the Sketchers slip-ons now cladding the feet of thousands of students of Sta. Fe.

THOUSANDS OF STA. FE, LEYTE STUDENTS, BAREFOOT NO MORE

STA. FE, Leyte– MORE than a thousand barefoot kids and children in tattered shoes and worn out slippers marched toward the expansive school grounds of the Sta. Fe Central School, the biggest school in this district, last Tuesday morning, they diligently fell in line behind designated scouts who carried their special “numbers.”

Unmindful of the searing pre-noon heat, the students came from the 17 schools of Sta. Fe who were chosen to receive premium slip-ons from Skechers donated through Operation Blessing Foundation Philippines.

Before it reached the school, volunteers painstakingly went through the list earlier submitted by the teachers, ensuring that they had the right sizes and carried the huge cartons containing the Skechers slip-ons toward the delivery vans en route to the school.

To spice up the occasion, representatives from the Youth with a Mission (YWAM) even presented a brief puppet show to the delight of children.

The distribution of the Skechers slip-ons was both fun and tedious. Trying the slip-ons to each and every student was a daunting task. But the reward came from the sincerest “Thank Yous” from the students, a tight hug, a big smile and the happy races of some of the students as they clutched their new pair of shoes while othes waved them on air.

Mrs. Rosario Buena, district supervisor of the Sta. Fe district which covers 17 schools and 3,999 total school population, said that the students were eagerly looking forward to this day when they would receive and bring home new pairs of footwear.

“Wala na kasi talaga silang gamit na sapatos. Tinangay ni Yolanda ang lahat ng kanilang mga gamit, mula bahay, damit, school supplies at mga sapatos. Noong sabihan ko sila na magbibigay ang Operation Blessing ng sapatos sa kanila dahil may donasyon ang Skechers, sobrang tuwa ng mga estudyante (The students do not have any more shoes left to use. Yolanda washed away everything that they had from their homes, clothes, school supplies, and their shoes. So, when I told them that Operation Blessing will be giving them shoes coming from the donation of Skechers, the students were so happy),” Mrs. Buena said.

She added that the new slip-ons meant a lot to the students, especially since most of them now come to school in tattered shoes and slippers, while some even go to school barefoot.

Mrs. Buena added that the new pairs of slip-ons signified new hope for the students and a validation that help will continue to come and that better days are bound to come.

She also thanked Operation Blessing for the simultaneous feeding programs being conducted in the different schools of the district which have motivated more students to regularly attend their classes.

Image courtesy of aopsan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

When schools, office buildings, and other commercial structures are built, steps need to be taken to ensure the safety of their future occupants. No one wants to see an individual harmed from inadequate safety standards. Additionally, aside from personal concern for others, there is the issue of liability. A company or building owner can be held responsible for injuries that occur on their premises. Personal injury lawsuits can be long, complex and a financial strain on all parties involved. If you have sustained a personal injury and are contemplating filing a lawsuit, but are worried about the cost of doing so, it might be reassuring to learn that in certain cases, you can get a cash advance on a pending lawsuit. Want to find out more about lawsuit loans? Check out fundmylawsuitnow.com.

Above all, to avoid legal ramifications, it is best to do whatever you can to prevent accidents from ever happening. By examining all of the possible areas of a building that could be hazardous, you will have a better idea of safety measures that can be taken. Some companies use temporary stairs hire services as a way to keep their employees safe. There are companies that can provide assistance in safeguarding specific parts of a structure. For instance, amstep.com can help you protect people from an area that is common for concern—the stairs.

Features

If individuals do not carefully pay attention when ascending or descending stairs, a fall can easily occur. There are products on the market that significantly reduce the chance of accidents. Stair nosings and anti-slip stair treads provide resistance to prevent feet from slipping. You can purchase anti-slip products in a variety of colors. Using a bright color on your stairs makes each step recognizable for people that have poor vision or more noticeable for people that are simply not paying close attention. If your stairs are in an area that will be used in low light occasionally, you can purchase stair treads that glow in the dark. This is a great idea especially for outdoor stairs. We also recommend using chequer plates as they have extremely good grip, especially when it is wet, so these will also help prevent accidents.

Versatility

Safety products, like those found at amstep.com, don’t have to be used in new structures only. Many existing buildings can benefit from upgrading their stairways. They can also be used in a variety of settings. Aside from being utilized in large commercial or industrial structures, stair treads and nosings can be applied to residential homes, entertainment venues, and vehicles, like delivery trucks and RVs. Both indoor and outdoor stairs can be improved with quality safety products. Whether you are a business owner or simply want to make your home safer, consider anti-slip technology to provide safety to yourself and others.

Moms, you may want to take your entire brood here.  There’s a 500m race for the kids. Most importantly, you’re running for the benefit of all children being helped by Bantay Bata 163. Tara, let’s run!

The little boy has been asking me for a pet dog while his sister wants a bunny instead. They have both been asking me if they could have their own pets already and even promised that they would take good care of the pets. I know some kids who are the same age as they are – some even younger – who do have their own pets and have learned to be more responsible children because of their pets.

I’ve been browsing the internet for possible options including dogs that are easy to care for and are friendly. I’ve also come across some dog shock collar reviews but dog owners are divided as to its advantages and disadvantages. Some say it’s a great way to train dogs but others assert that it is cruel and lead to aggressiveness. Either way, I don’t think we can get a dog at this time. For one, my little daughter’s afraid of them. Then, there’s the question of who would do the proper training and cleaning after. Besides, you need to do proper research an get professional advice on your specific breed before investing in one, it is definitely a lot of commitment. Some might say as much as having a baby.

Another option is to get the kids an aquarium and some small fish. Now this is something that’s bound to be easier to maintain and to take care of. However, we have no place to put an aquarium in.

Then there’s also health factors to consider with both kids having allergic rhinitis and asthma. Well, taking their age and health into consideration, I think it would be better to put off getting a pet for now.

Week’s not yet over but my aching body is already dead tired!  As much as I hate to admit that I AM getting old, my body is screaming it loudly.  Yes, my thirty-five and a half years of existence is starting to show with crow’s feet in my eyes, age spots here and there, a couple of wrinkles and dark eye bags.  But these ones don’t bother me that much as good makeup can easily hide them and there are also a host of lotions and supplements that can easily bring back the youthful glow of my skin.  What bothers me most now is tired aching muscles!

Oh yes, the beginnings of arthritis are here.  🙁  At the end of the day, my aging body is always yearning for some relaxing body massage to melt those knotted muscles.  There have been days though that even a massage isn’t enough to relieve body aches. Oh dear, I think I may be needing some traumeel ointment soon.  I know I shouldn’t be complaining about minor aches and pains, I mean, my hubby has it worse with his cervical spondylosis and osteoarthritis.  But still, I do wish I could turn back time and have had children early in life when I still had enough energy to run after them without a single muscle ache at the end of the day.

Or maybe, it’s about time I get off my butt and engage in some sports activity. 🙂